HR Project Manager Consultant - Workday

Title: HR Project Manager Consultant - Workday
Job Type: Contract
Contract Duration: 15 months
Target Start Date: 2/16/26
Work Location/Structure: Newport Beach, CA, - Hybrid 3-4 days onsite

About the Opportunity:

We are looking for an execution-focused HR Project Manager Consultant - Workday to join our client's team for a 16-month engagement. This high-impact project involves providing project management leadership for the integration of two different Workday applications, including managing two distinct processes and job architecture. You will be critical in driving Workday optimization and process redesign. This role requires close partnership with both a systems integration firm and another consulting firm, serving as the essential conduit between the client and these external partners. This is a high-impact role that requires a self-motivated professional who can hit the ground running and deliver results quickly.

Key Responsibilities & Deliverables:

This role is focused on the successful completion of specific tasks and deliverables. Your responsibilities will include:

• Project Management & Execution: Provide expert project management and execution leadership for complex Workday integration projects, specifically involving two separate applications and processes, including job architecture.
• Optimization & Redesign: Drive initiatives for Workday optimization, process redesign, and organizational change to ensure maximum system efficiency and adoption.
• Stakeholder & Vendor Management: Act as the primary communication conduit, facilitating effective collaboration between the client's internal teams, a systems integration firm, and an external consulting firm working on the transformation.
• Executive Communication: Manage high-level stakeholder communication and navigate complex relationships, effectively dealing with SVPs and Executives to ensure alignment and decision-making.
• Milestone Delivery: Ensure all project milestones and deliverables are met on time and within scope, maintaining a sharp execution focus throughout the engagement.

Required Skills & Experience:

We are looking for someone with a proven track record of successful contract engagements. The ideal candidate will have:

• 7-10 years of experience in project/program management, with a strong background in HR (e.g. Talent Acquisition, HR Operations, Compensation, & HR Technology).
• Experience in Workday strongly preferred.
• Deep expertise in project management, focusing on execution and delivery in complex integration environments.
• Proven experience in Workday integration, optimization, and process redesign, with an understanding of job architecture principles.
• Exceptional communication skills and a demonstrated ability to successfully engage with, influence, and manage expectations among SVPs and Executives.
• Experience in managing external vendor partnerships, including systems integration and consulting firms, and acting as a liaison.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and manage complex, cross-functional projects effectively to meet project goals.
• Highly skilled in MS productivity tools (SharePoint, MS Teams, PowerPoint, Excel), and other presentation and collaboration tools such as Smartsheet, and Planview.
• Strong in critical thinking, data analysis and reporting, risk and controls, and process improvement.
• Background in strategic management and/or management consulting advantageous.